A Schengen visa is the most powerful visa to travel in Schengen area. Imagine that you will travel to more than one country. Do you need to apply for different visas for each country? Will you be able to re-enter after leaving the area? In this passage, we will find out the answers and introduce some useful tips for multiple-country travel.
Types of Schengen Travel Visa
The Schengen visa can be divided into the following types according to your purpose of traveling.
- Transit Schengen Visa
It is designed for those from visa-required countries to transit in any Schengen member state and head to a third country or region. There are two transit visa types available. Type A does not allow the holders to leave the airport’s transit area while type B is valid for 5 days and allow holders to pass through the Schengen Area.
- Tourist Schengen Visa
It is a short-stay visa allowing foreigners outside the Schengen area to visit any Schengen Area country for tourism, friend/relative visits, or other leisure activities. Visa holders can stay for the a specific period, like up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Travelers must not undertake any paid jobs during the stay.
- Business Schengen Visa
It is issued to business persons who go to any Schengen country to do business, have meetings, attend conferences or trade fairs, etc. It is also a short-stay visa allowing a maximum of 90-day stay. Visa holders must not participate in any restricted activities indicated on the visa.
- Student Schengen Visa
It allows international students to study in the country that issues the visa and travel freely within other Schengen visas. Visa holders might be allowed to work on a student visa, but there are restrictions on the number of working hours and positions.
- Working Schengen Visa
It belongs to a Type D Schengen visa that allows visa holders to work and stay in a Schengen country for a long term. There are single-entry and multiple-entry ones.
Can I Use a Schengen Visa to Travel to Multiple Countries?
Yes. Based on the Schengen Agreement, Schengen area citizens and foreign visitors with a Schengen Visa can travel freely within the area. For example, you can start your journey in France, visit the world-famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, then take a train to Switzerland to enjoy scenic hiking and mountainous landscapes, and continue to explore the historic city of Berlin in Germany. The total amount of stay in all countries can be up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you hold a single-entry visa, it will become invalid after you leave the Schengen zone. If you hold a double-entry or multiple-entry one, you can re-enter the zone as long as the visa is valid.
Where You Can Travel with a Schengen Travel Visa
Schengen tourist visa is one of the most versatile visas in the world. With this document, you will unlock a variety of tourist destinations inside and outside the Schengen Zone, including:
- Schengen countries
They include Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
- Non-Schengen countries
They are microstates closely associated with Schengen countries and some overseas territories, including Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Colombia, Cyprus, Georgia, Gibraltar, Kosovo, Mexico, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia, Romania, and Turkey. Please note that the entry requirements might vary slightly, so it is necessary to check updated information before traveling.
How to Travel to Multiple Countries with a Schengen Travel Visa
To travel freely within the Schengen area, you have to make full preparations. Here are some useful tips for visa application.
- Consider multiple-entry visa
There are single-entry and multiple-entry Schengen travel visas. Generally speaking, multiple-entry ones are more recommended as it is more flexible and versatile. You can leave and re-enter the Schengen Area unlimited times, which is more suitable for frequent travelers.
Click here to learn more about whether you can apply for a multiple-entry Schengen visa first time.
- Decide where to apply from
You must not randomly pick a visa office to apply for the Schengen visa. Instead, you should choose the country you first arrive in or the country that you will stay the longest.
For example, you will travel to Germany France, and Italy. If you spend equal time in each country and start from Germany, just apply from the German embassy/consulate in your country of residence or an appointed visa agency. If you will spend 2 days in Germany, 3 days in France, and 4 days in Italy, just apply from the Italian embassy/consulate or visa agency no matter where you first land.
- Gather Required Documents
You have to present a set of documents to prove your identity and capabilities to fund your trip while applying for the visa or passing through the checkpoints.
- Passport valid for at least 3 months upon the date of returning and with at least two blank pages;
- Passport-sized photos measuring 35×45 mm with a plain white background;
- Travel itinerary;
- Proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings or invitation letter from your host;
- Travel insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000;
- Proof of financial backing, such as bank statements or pay slips.
- Make an Appointment Early
Some visa centers require applicants to make an appointment to submit a visa application. In this case, you should book as early as possible in case no slots are available or it is too late to apply. Once your appointment is confirmed, remember to attend as scheduled.
- Be Honest and Accurate
You have to provide authentic and updated information and documents. Any discrepancies might lead to delays or rejection. For example, the personal details on the application form must be the same as that on the passport. You should tell the precise date of arrival and departure, where you will go, what you will do, where you will live, and so on in the travel itinerary. Do not tell lies or conceal the true purpose of traveling.
- Show connection with home country
To successfully get a Schengen travel visa, you are supposed to persuade the officer that you do not have immigrant intent and will return home. It could be proven by a strong connection with your home country, such as proof of employment, property ownership certificate, proof of family ties at home, etc.
- Check the Specific Entry Requirements
There might be extra requirements for your destination besides the visa and passport. For example, some might ask you to present sufficient financial support or return tickets. It is suggested to check the websites of the relevant consulates or embassies for updated information.
- Be Patient and Prepared for Interviews
After submitting the application, applicants need to have an interview with the visa officer. It will take about 15 minutes and you should explain your travel plan, financial conditions, intentions, etc. It is suggested to search for some common questions and prepare for them in advance. Make sure to answer the questions honestly and concisely.
Bonus Tips on Planning Your Multi-Country Travel
To enjoy a safe and worry-free trip, you should carefully plan your trip in terms of legal procedures, transportation, accommodation, etc. These tips will help you arrange a good trip in the Schengen area.
- Prepare the Key Documents in Advance
Check the entry requirements for your destination and prepare them beforehand. It is advised to make copies of the essential travel documents and keep them safe, such as passport and identity card.
- Verify the Validity of Travel Document
Double-check the issue date and expiry date on your visa and passport. Make sure they are valid and remain intact during your entire trip. Traveling with an expired passport is not allowed.
- Avoid Overstaying
According to the 90/180 rule, do not plan a trip that exceeds a total of 90 days in all Schengen countries within 180 days.
- Know Prohibited Items
Check the customs list of the country that you will go to in case of packing prohibited items which will lead to confiscation, fines, or even legal action.
- Purchase Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory in most countries. It should cover medical emergencies, luggage loss, trip cancelation, etc.
- Respect Local Norms
Laws and customs might vary from country to country, especially when you visit a religious country. Learning about the unique laws, culture, and customs will keep you out of trouble.
FAQ
Is a Schengen visa valid for multiple entry?
Yes, if it is a multiple-entry one.
Can I enter multiple Schengen countries with a single entry visa?
Yes, but you must not leave the Schengen area in between. The single-entry visa will expire once you leave the zone.
Do I have to enter the country that issued my Schengen visa first?
It is suggested, but you can also enter from any Schengen country that you list in your itinerary.
Can I enter one Schengen country and exit from another?
Yes. You are allowed to enter and exit freely from any Schengen country.
Can I enter Italy with a Schengen visa from France?
Yes, as long as the visa is still valid because both countries are part of the Schengen Area.
Does my visa duration reset when I travel to another Schengen country?
No. The 90/180 day is based on the total amount of days that you spend in all Schengen countries.
How can I calculate my remaining days under the 90-day rule?
It is calculated by 90 minus the number of days you have spent in all Schengen countries within a 180-day period.
What happens if I overstay my Schengen Visa while traveling between countries?
You might be fined, deported, or banned from traveling for a period.
Are there border checks when traveling between Schengen countries?
No. The border checks are abolished between Schengen member states and passport-free travel is permitted.
Summary
With one Schengen travel visa, foreigners can visit all Schengen countries and some non-Schengen countries. A total stay must not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period. If you hold a multiple-entry visa, you can re-enter the area after leaving as long as the visa is valid.
Dolores Xiao